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Sloth Bears are endemic to the Indian subcontinent, with 10,000 of them living in India and Sri Lanka. Other populations can be found in southern Nepal and as far as Bangladesh and Bhutan. Sloth Bears are stocky with long, shaggy, black hair and a white U or Y shaped marking on the chest. Large lips, a long tongue, a pale muzzle, a mobile snout and well developed hook-like claws that enable them to climb trees and dig for termites. They do not hibernate due to a constant availablity of ants and termites throughout the year. The sucking noises made by feeding can be heard from over 100 metres away. They also feed on fruits and flowers. Destruction of termite mounds for their fine soil, mainly used in tennis courts, leads to the loss of an important dietary component. Also local demand for the Mohwa flower, (used to make an alcoholic drink) has emerged as competition for one of the bear's dietary components. Presently, Sloth Bear numbers are shrinking and populations are becoming fragmented due to continuing habitat degradation by humans. Their numbers are also dwindling because body parts like the gall bladder and fat are valuable commodities in the trade for traditional Asian medicines. Bear claws are worn in many parts to ward off evil. In addition, female bears are killed so that their cubs can be sold and used as 'dancing bears' for street side entertainment. If undisturbed by human influences, these beautiful animals can live a long life of up to 25 years. The 'Lost City Collection' wildlife design painted by Jean Sindelar portrays the magnificence of the Sloth Bear with his powerfully defined chest surrounded by his favourite tropical fruits being water melon, mango, paw paw and pineapple by Ro London. HELP Free the Bears Fund Inc with Mary Hutton |